Is PWHT a Good Idea?

Dear Sir,

What kind of 304 are we talking about? If it is a standard 304 (so not low carbon 304L) forget performing PWHT because you will get Chromium carbides in your microstructure which can cause corrosion in a sensitive environment.

Better use a high frequency hammering technology in order to introduce compressive stress in the area of interest.

hpi001,

Thanks

DGibson

As such all SS materials including 304 (or) 304L and its filler metals are all having a good ductility to an extent of 35-40%. Hence you will never come across any cracking during welding.

Cracks occur in SS welding when the ferrite content falls very low to 1 to 2 % or so.. 304 will have ferrite percentage around 6-8% and You can go ahead with out any fear of cracks.

If required you can calculate the Ferrite percentage after knowing its chemistry or ferrite checking gauges are available commercially.

Sridhar.

Thanks Sridhar!